1
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction
after sawing the board in half, rasp the ends to remove any splinters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
the two siblings seemed intent on rasping each other for the entire car trip
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
during the last ice age, glaciers rasped the surface, leaving the deeply scarred rock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rasp
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
The engine rasps and rumbles right up to the tachometer’s 7,000-rpm redline—and beyond, in fact, since peak power arrives at 7,500 rpm.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
The reply of my friend and hunting companion was one of those quaint, rasping epithets which only a cowman can manage when everything has gone wrong.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rasp
Noun
Using a rasp grater such as a Microplane, finely zest the lemon into the bowl and gently toss the ingredients to combine.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
The engine rasps and rumbles right up to the tachometer’s 7,000-rpm redline—and beyond, in fact, since peak power arrives at 7,500 rpm.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
While Mullan’s natural voice shares Shankly’s rasping quality, their inflexions are different.
—Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
The reply of my friend and hunting companion was one of those quaint, rasping epithets which only a cowman can manage when everything has gone wrong.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rasp
Noun
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But building a domestic supply chain from scratch isn’t easy.—
Merritt Enright,
CNBC,
8 Aug. 2025
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The first nuclear reactors built from scratch in the U.S. in decades were completed seven years late and $17 billion over budget.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Just be sure not to rub it in too much—doing so can dull the scent’s staying power.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
15 Aug. 2025
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To apply, the brand recommends rubbing a small amount in an upward motion on the neck to best combat sagging.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The small, sharp stone fragments used as tools were likely fashioned from larger pebbles in nearby riverbeds, and they were probably used for cutting or scraping, Brumm said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
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Additionally, 132 remains also had exhibited cut marks including slicing, scraping, and chopping.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Bankrate also recently released a survey showing that 38% are annoyed by pre-entered tip screens at coffee shops, food trucks, etc.—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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At the array's center is a 118-dB speaker unit and a 9cc sound cavity to annoy fellow travelers with your excellent taste in music or be a useful audio beacon in emergencies.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Klan was more than happy to wear white after Labor Day too.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
15 Aug. 2025
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There will be a moment’s silence held at all Premier League matches this weekend, with players also wearing black armbands.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The hum of a refrigerator, the distant drone of a neighbor’s lawnmower, the tinny bleeping of a vintage Gameboy, the rhythmic creak of trampoline springs in action.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
10 Aug. 2025
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And a few creaks and rattles cropped up when the exhaust roar or music didn’t drown out all other sounds—though pushing hard in the hills seemed to settle some of the trim into place better.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Last November, the budget carrier became the first major U.S. airline to file for Chapter 11 since American Airlines 13 years ago.—
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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Ashley Biden, the daughter of former President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, filed for divorce from her husband Dr. Howard Krein on Monday, Aug. 11, according to court records.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The characters muse about the extreme likelihood that their apartments have been bugged.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
14 Aug. 2025
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That question also bugs the folks at The Utility Reform Network.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rasp. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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